This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

When I had my first baby I was all about saving money. I wanted to be a stay at home mom and never wanted to work after he was born. So I set about saving money and showing my husband that it was better with me at home. I did that in many different ways. Why not check out my 5 Ways to save money on baby!

5 Ways to save money on baby

When I first wanted to stay home I dropped from working full time to part time. That allowed me to still have a small income and see if we can make it on less. My first way for you to save money is to bank as much of your income as possible and try to live on just his income before the baby gets here. That way when that sweet newborn is here you are already making it on one income.

Make your food at home as much as possible. When you have a baby it’s no longer as convenient to go out to eat. You can be sure that if you sit down to eat a hot meal baby will want to be fed at the same time. So start making your own meals at home. Cook from scratch and enjoy your meal hot by keeping it warm until baby is fed. I remember going out to eat and walking the baby instead of eating. If that’s going to be the case just go ahead and get used to eating at home.

Babies do not need as many items as the media likes to make you think they do. They need diapers, food and clothing. I bought most of my baby toys, baby clothes and playpens and high chairs at local yard sales. You get great deals. You can wash everything up and get it ready for baby by yourself and pay a tenth of the price. That’s a win in my book! So either go without or find deals at thrift stores or yard sales and bank all that money you would have spent paying retail.

One of the more expensive items is buying formula. If you can, try breastfeeding and do it for as long as possible. I know not everyone can and that’s okay. But if you can, you will save a lot of money by breastfeeding your baby. You can also make your babies baby food by using frozen vegetables and breastmilk or formula. Blending it together and freeze for later or make it for now. My babies loved their homemade baby food. It’s a money saver for sure.

The last thing you can save money on with baby is their diapers. I cloth diapered and I used Luvs. You do not need to buy the expensive brand name diapers. We were always happy with the Luvs brand. They worked great and saved us so much money on something that you know will be going in the garbage. There are a lot of reasons to use Luvs. Let’s look at a few. Did you know that Luvs is softer and more absorbent and has large stretchy tabs for easy fastening with that squirmy baby. They also have an ultra-leakage protection and a money-back guarantee! So try it and see if they’re for you with a money back guarantee, you can’t go wrong. The new Luvs Ultra Leakguards with NightLock Plus™ has the features babies and parents need for less cost than those expensive other brands. The new Luvs are able to shield baby from wetness and as always are more absorbent than before*. Luvs Ultra Leakguards and NightLock Plus™ has the largest absorbency area. When you are fastening Luvs diapers it’s super easy and gives your sweet baby a secure, snug fit again and again. A beautifully contoured shape hugs your baby for a great fit and a super soft cottony material. It’s so much softer than before. It also feels gentle on baby’s skin and we know how sensitive baby’s skin can be. Luvs diapers are available in sizes newborn through 6. We needed size 5 and they’re so amazing on my friend’s baby. They have featured fun designs in every pack. You can find Luvs at mass, discount, drug and grocery stores, as well as online sites or where baby care products are sold.

I love that Luvs is on a mission to celebrate and embrace what been there done that parents value and “Luv” every single day. Luvs knows moms need a break. Be sure to join the #WhatULuv Twitter party hosted by @iConnect and @Luvs, on November 29th, 9-10pm EST to share what you value as a parent. Luvs happens to be offering a great money-saving opportunity for you with their $1 print-at-home coupon to further help you save money. Here’s how you redeem it. First take a visit to http://www.coupons.com/brands/luvs-coupons/ and gain access to the Luvs coupon of $1 off any one diaper pack. Then print the coupon at home or wherever your printer is and use it at any mass, discount or grocery stores where you can purchase Luvs Diapers. Did you know that all Luvs Diapers are included in this particular offer, except trial/travel sized diaper packs. Your print-at-home coupons do expire 30 days from the date the coupon is printed so use it right away.

As Parents we all start somewhere. By the second child we’re so much more relaxed. Make sure you check out this ad about going to the park!

Don’t forget to give yourself a much needed time out! Every parent needs a break. Parenting is hard and not for the week.

Don’t forget you can come hang out with us at the Twitter party to earn fun prizes and learn more about Luvs. To sign up for the Luvs twitter party go here and fill out the RSVP. Now let’s see if we can have a reader win a $25 Amex gift card! Enter below! Thanks for reading and entering. Now leave me a comment telling me what your favorite money saving secret is for babies!

Shop the local thrift stores for clothes. Kids grow so fast, don’t waste all that money on clothes they’ll just grow out of in a few months. I’ve found a bunch of really nice, name brand things at the thrift shops.